Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what is hiding beyond the stars?
Community members and students will have the chance to explore the universe during the IU Kokomo Observatory Open House beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday, September 13, hosted by Patrick Motl, professor of physics. The event will allow visitors to learn more about a NASA spacecraft to some of the most fascinating objects visible in the night sky.
The evening will begin with a presentation about NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. For more than 21 years, it has helped scientists observe some of the universe’s most powerful and mysterious events. Motl will discuss Swift’s mission, its possible future re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere and efforts to boost the spacecraft into a higher orbit.
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory was originally designed to operate for only about two years, yet it has spent more than 21 years exploring some of the universe’s most extreme and mysterious events.
Swift was designed to quickly detect gamma-ray bursts, which are incredibly powerful explosions that can release enormous amounts of energy in a matter of seconds. These bursts can occur when massive stars collapse or when extremely dense objects collide in space. Over the course of its mission, Swift has helped scientists observe and better understand these distant cosmic events, proving that even a spacecraft expected to have a relatively short mission can continue making discoveries for decades.
After the presentation, visitors may have the opportunity to see Saturn and explore objects from the summer constellations, including the Ring Nebula and Albireo, a striking double star known for its contrasting colors.
The IU Kokomo Observatory is home to two impressive telescopes mounted together: a six-inch Takahashi refracting telescope and a 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope. The Takahashi provides a sharp view of planets, while the larger Meade telescope collects more light, allowing observers to see fainter and more distant objects in space.
Observation will continue through 10 p.m., weather permitting.
Additional open houses during the 2026-2027 academic year include from 8 to 10 p.m. October 11, March 14, April 11, and May 16; and from 7 to 9 p.m. November 8, December 13, January 10, and February 14.
The Observatory is at 2660 S. Washington Street. Free parking is available on campus.
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.